Work-Study Research Assistant Program

Faculty Name: Melisa Argañaraz Gomez

Faculty Department: Urban and Community Studies

General Research Focus:  I am seeking a research assistant to support a book project focused on Latin American children and youth care work and labor in Waterbury and Baltimore during the pandemic. Children’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have received little attention. Popular discourses claim that children are less likely to be affected by the virus and focus on isolation/mental health consequences. In doing so, these discourses present children as passive victims. This research examines how youths’ political acts of care are critical to the survival of their families, peers, and society; however, ‘care for their families’ may force youth to sacrifice their well-being and future prospects. This research focuses on the active participation of immigrant Latin American children in US society and the necessity for safety nets to protect/recognize their care work. This work includes topics such as criminality, care work/labor, health, and education of Latin American Children and Youth. Alongside this research you will be able to develop your own research project.

Brief Position Description: The research apprentice will provide direct support for the execution and analysis of this study. Common tasks will include literature searches, support for online recruitment of participants, transcription of interviews, coding, and proofreading final writing outcomes. Additional tasks related to research will be completed as needed. 

The student will gain valuable research experience, particularly in participatory qualitative research methods and analysis. This project will require virtual meetings with community organizations to create potential research partnerships. You will have plenty of opportunities to network with different organizations around the Waterbury/Baltimore area. All activities for this position will be completed remotely.

Job Description: A "Student Human Behavioral Research Assistant - 204" will assist faculty in human research efforts. The research apprentice will provide direct support for the execution and analysis of this study. Common tasks will include literature searches, support for online recruitment of participants, transcription of interviews, coding, and proofreading final writing outcomes. Additional tasks related to research will be completed as needed.